Former V8’s head honcho keen on NRL CEO position

He was the reason behind the V8’s becoming a $330 million empire, and now, he has emerged as a shock candidate to assume the vacant position as the ARLC CEO.

He only stepped down from his role as Executive Chairman of the V8’s not that long ago, but Tony Cochrane has admitted his interest in the vacant ARLC CEO position.

“I am very passionate about sport,” Cochrane said.

“And I would consider any role that would help a sporting organisation. I am certainly not retired and would not reject any role in sport without strong consideration.”

With the recent departure of former CEO David Gallop, the NRL has attempted to lure AFL Chief Operating Officer Gillon McLachlan, current Dogs CEO Todd Greenberg, but failed – although other candidates are being considered for the role.

With the V8’s expanding to accommodate more teams and bigger awareness worldwide, Cochrane felt that it was the right time for him to step aside from that role.

“I just thought the time was right to go,” Cochrane said.

“Following the announcement of Mercedes the other day and with a race in Texas finalised, the sport is just in fantastic shape. I just felt it was time to move on and get ready for my next challenge.”

It is not the first time that Cochrane has been linked to the position, only to have Queensland power-brokers disagree with the approach for the former V8’s boss.

“I was certainly interested in the role,” Cochrane confirmed earlier this year.